Hoop guide rod and hoop rolling game apparatus

Abstract

A novel hoop for use with a game apparatus of the type comprising a circular hoop and a rod for rolling and guiding the same is disclosed. The novel hoop includes a weighted plate-like member captively held within an outer circular rim by means of at least two wheels rotatably mounted thereon. As the outer rim is rotated, such as by rolling it along the ground, the wheels travel along the inside diameter of the outer circular rim and, in combination with the weight, prevent rotation of the plate-like member. In another embodiment of the invention means are disclosed for coupling, in coplanar relationship and for independent rotation, any desired number of circular rims.

I claim 
     
       1. In a game apparatus of the type comprising a circular hoop and a rod for rolling and guiding said circular hoop, the improved hoop construction comprising a. a circular rim having an annular groove extending circumferentially about the inside diameter thereof;   b. a plate-like member of smaller dimensions than the inside diameter of said circular rim and having a weight mounted thereon near the periphery of said plate-like member; and   
     
     
       c. at least two wheels rotatably mounted on said plate-like member for travel within said annular groove so as to hold said plate-like member captive within said circular rim, whereby during rotation of said circular rim said weight causes said at least two wheels to rotate and to travel within said annular groove so as to substantially prevent rotation of said plate-like member. 
     
     
       2. The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said plate-like member comprises a disc and including a plurality of ball bearings in association with each of said at least two wheels to facilitate rotation thereof and travel thereof within said annular groove. 
     
     
       3. The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said at least two wheels are mounted on said plate-like member in a plane disposed from and parallel to the plane of said plate-like member. 
     
     
       4. The improvement according to claim 2, wherein said at least two wheels are mounted on said plate-like member in co-planar relationship therewith. 
     
     
       5. In a game apparatus of the type comprising a circular hoop and a rod for rolling and guiding said circular hoop, the improved hoop construction comprising: a. a circular rim having an annular groove extending circumferentially about the inside diameter thereof; and   b. a disc-shaped member of smaller dimensions than said rim and seated within said groove for travel thereabout as said circular rim is rotated.